Snowtrooper (Classic Face, Grayscale Insignia)
sw0115 · Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back · 2003 - Debuted in set 4483 AT-AT during the transitional era of LEGO Star Wars design shortly after the theme's inception in 1999.
Figure ID
sw0115
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2003 - Debuted in set 4483 AT-AT during the transitional era of LEGO Star Wars design shortly after the theme's inception in 1999.
Rarity
Uncommon - While mass-produced for mid-range and large sets, this specific version with the classic yellow 'blocky' face was only produced for a limited multi-year window before the switch to flesh-toned and then varied stormtrooper heads.
Head
Standard yellow LEGO head with the classic 'smiley' face. The head is covered by a unique Snowtrooper helmet/hood mold with dark grey eye slits and tan accents on the side.
Torso
White torso with light grey and dark grey printing of the cold-weather survival suit. It features a control box with a small red dot detail. The arms are white and the hands are white.
Legs
White legs with light grey hips. There is no printing on the legs or hips for this specific older variant.
Accessories
As pictured, the figure is missing its standard accessories which originally included a dark grey 'blaster rifle' (technically a megaphone piece with a translucent orange stud) or a standard black blaster.
Color Scheme
Primary white with light grey and dark grey accents. Minimalist red detail on the torso control panel.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the front of the torso only. No back printing, no leg printing, and no arm printing. This level of detail is characteristic of 'early-middle' period LEGO Star Wars (pre-2010).
Variants
Standard sw0115 has the yellow smiley head. Variants include sw0101 (chrome helmet), sw0115a (flesh head), and sw1181 (modern highly detailed dual-molded version).
Condition Notes
Main concerns are yellowing of the white plastic due to UV exposure and 'cracking' of the torso under the arms. The helmet's tan printing on the side is also prone to scratching.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD | New (extracted): $12 - $18 USD. Value is heavily centered on the condition of the white plastic and the helmet mold.
Price (New)
N/A - Primarily available in the 2003 AT-AT ($100 USD) and the Snowtrooper Battle Pack (2007, $10 USD).
Compatible Sets
4483 AT-AT (2003), 4500 Rebel Snowspeeder (2004), 10144 Sandcrawler (cameo), 7666 Hoth Rebel Base (2007).
Character Background
Imperial Snowtroopers are elite stormtroopers trained for operation in arctic climates, famously seen during the Battle of Hoth in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.
Design Notes
This version utilizes the 'helmet-cape' mold where the fabric cowl is part of the plastic headgear. This mold was famously replaced in later years by a more streamlined version that looks less bulky.
Similar Minifigures
sw0101 (Snowtrooper with light bluish grey hips), sw1181 (2022 modern Snowtrooper), sw0036 (Classic Stormtrooper).
Collectibility
Moderate to high for 'classic' collectors. While the newer versions are objectively more 'accurate', these yellow-head versions have significant nostalgia value for builders from the early 2000s.
History
Represents the second generation of LEGO Snowtroopers. It bridge the gap between the very first 1999 version and the move toward realistic flesh-toned faces in the late 2000s.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an 'Arctic' trooper, the base head is the standard cheerful smiley face, a leftover from the era when LEGO did not print unique faces for licensed helmeted characters.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a white/snow baseplate alongside other contemporary 'Hoth' figures like the 2004 Han Solo or the blue-coat Rebel Soldiers.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'army building' and purging for custom snow-themed MOCs. The helmet mold is specific enough that it is rarely used for anything other than Snowtroopers.
Overall Assessment
A foundational piece of LEGO Star Wars history. While it lacks the detail of modern figures, its silhouette is iconic and it remains a staple for any collector focusing on the Original Trilogy era.